tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76899036309921573912017-08-04T14:01:59.255-04:00Welcome to Luda Fenka's BlogLudaFenka's (CrazyFan's) opinions
on rhythmic gymnastics (also available <a href="http://ludafenka.blogspot.com">на български</a>)Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-77403663081827665032017-07-25T23:03:00.000-04:002017-07-26T01:53:49.376-04:00Ten Years with An Open HeartIn the summer of 2007, I accepted an internship at the legal department of the Cleveland Clinic, a legendary hospital, known around the world for treating heart problems, among others.The internship included an opportunity to attend an open heart surgery in the actual operating room, where you, the legal intern, stand next to the medical professionals and observe everything.<br /><br />I accepted the generous offer to attend.<br /><br />On the day of the surgery, I arrived at around 6:45 am and received a key to a locker that a medical resident would typically use. I put on blue scrubs, a mask, and a cap and went straight in.Then, for about five and a half hours, possibly more, I remained alongside two surgeons and watched them place a bypass into a woman's heart after removing a vein from her own leg. They also added an artificial valve into her heart.<br /><b><br /></b>Let me share with you about what I observed in these deeply empowering hours of my life.<br /><br />The patient was lying on the table and her skin looked a shade of orange. This apparently happens to some people under anesthesia, who may turn a yellowish color that borders on orange. One of the nurses gave me a stepping stool, like the ones they have in libraries, so I could be up next to the surgeon and see better.<br /><br />They removed a vein from the patient's leg and discussed it over speaker phone with another surgeon. "The vein looks good," they determined. They decided that the bypass would be from the patient's own vein.<br /><br />Then, they cut through the patient's chest and pushed her ribs to the side to open it up. Our ribs look no different than ribs we barbecue on July 4th, I thought, except that the smell is another story. At this point I felt dizzy and felt that my hands were getting warm. I asked if I could step down from my stool and sit down. I fully expected that someone would say, "Why have you come to observe surgery if you can't stand the sight of human ribs?"<br /><br />Instead, one of the nurses said, "I am sorry you feel sick. Did you have breakfast?"<br /><br />So here I was. I am the person who, at age 6, had her adenoid removed with local anesthesia and watched the doctor waive it in front of her face. But here I was, feeling dizzy, and someone who I'd never see again said she was sorry that I got sick. I told the whole operating room team that I &nbsp;had had a croissant and a latte for breakfast, and minutes later, I asked if I could resume my spot on my stepping stool because I was fine.<br /><br />At that point the medical technician told me that they would stop the heart and explained how the machine that would &nbsp;instead circulate the blood works. He made a drawing for me, too. "Though you don't need to know this, because lawyers have no hearts," he said.<br /><br />Then I watched them put in the bypass, and the artificial valve. The two surgeons seemed completely ambidextrous and I thought their hands were moving way too fast. But they were also calm, and made jokes about Albania, because they thought I was from Albania instead of Bulgaria. At some point one nurse signaled another nurse to come and tie up my mask which was coming down.<br /><br />There was also a lamp next to me which I nearly knocked down because I was, I admit, standing on my tiptoes on the little stepping stool like an awkward, nosy, barely breathing bird. Overall, I felt so proud not to have puked on top of the patient. You know, the little things. I haven't figured out the big ones yet, but the little ones, those I got totally covered even back then.<br /><br />Completely mesmerized, at some point I heard someone say that they will now "restart the heart." It would be too crazy for me to wish that all of my readers observe surgery, but, I have to tell you: the feeling you experience when you hear the words "restart the heart" isn't the imaginable kind of happiness. I do sincerely wish that feeling upon you all because it is one of very pure and powerful joy.<br /><br />Then, I watched them close the chest and watched a nurse do stitches. Before &nbsp;the patient was wheeled out of the room, I checked on the monitor and saw &nbsp;that her blood pressure was 11 to 8 and her body temperature was 36.1.<br /><br />All of this felt as if it took shorter time than it is taking me to write about it now. I would say 5 hours feel like 20 minutes or so.<br /><br />No other experience, not even falling in love, can even &nbsp;remotely come close to the exhilaration I felt while watching open heart surgery unfold. &nbsp;Watching open heart surgery unfold feels like standing on a rock of indestructible hope, &nbsp;like coming face to face with both life and death in a relentless, organized confirmation of humanity.<br /><br />Many have written about faith, fate and about rational choice. Here is a fact of life, though: there are people, who, for many reasons, wake up one day and consciously chose to devote their time and efforts to doing surgery on others. This doesn't happen merely because they want the rewarding feeling of helping people. This choice certainly is not about financial success either. Think about the hundreds or thousands of ways in which one can be both helpful to others and successful financially, but without having to push open people's rib cages and make their hearts stop.<br /><br />Think about the millions of us who would never ever agree to attempt any of this, not for any price.<br /><br />Choosing medicine is about being good, and about being the best at what is good; &nbsp;it is also about being good at what is most difficult. A life-changing choice, but also one of the biggest risks one can take. So many things can go wrong while medically treating another human being that I would not know how to convince anyone to take this risk.<br /><br />What do we call the part of us that allows us to stand for five hours, to cut others open and put them back together? Is it bravery, is it ambition, is it strength, or confidence, or a special kind of kindness? Call it what you wish, it's the best part. It has to be the best part of us because we would never have gotten this far. So far, in fact, as to allow some clumsy tax lawyer to observe heart surgery.<br /><br />I feel so sad to know that some people reject medicine, whether by rejecting vaccines, by refusing blood transfusions, or in other ways, though that attitude has been around for many years. But the fact is that when someone walks into an emergency room bleeding (because you can't stop bleeding with chamomile tea and meditation), she will receive care. This affirms my position of joy: life can be saved &nbsp;and will go on; life goes doggedly on despite all stubborn ignorance.<br /><br />Hospitals take all patients and we all have the liberty to make medical decisions based on theories that are anything but logical. I just hope that one day people who support these other theories will also stop and think about what medical professionals give to the world. It is fine, and perhaps even life-saving, that those of us from other occupations never have to shoulder the immense responsibility that medical professionals carry. Doubt is fine, too, when reasonable.<br /><br />I, on the other hand, observed an open heart surgery. And I am done doubting that human beings can do absolutely amazing things. For 10 unforgettably wonderful years now I have known that they can.<br /><br />I have also opened my heart to the truth that, while we choose who we want to be, we don't get to choose what others become. We can only marvel at their choices, and occasionally, feel shock at some of them.<br /><br />The choice to work in medicine is no sacrifice or noble deed. It means constantly rising above fear and above the potential for failure. It means holding a shield of caring forgiveness against the likelihood of guilt. It requires both objectivity and courage. When I think about this astounding choice, I have no desire left to criticize the choices of others.<br /><br />So all I have to say to those who reject medical care is this:<br /><br /><b>I forgive you.</b><br /><b>Seventy seven times multiplied by seven, I forgive you.</b><br /><br />The most human of angels, the best chances we got before we depart, &nbsp;in their scrubs and white garments, are standing strong. They wouldn't be here for us all if they were not ready. They soar above weakness, ours and their own. And that's salvation.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/0u_pnG9SJDI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com2http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/07/ten-years-with-open-heart.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-59195964422226108712017-07-22T16:04:00.000-04:002017-07-22T16:04:13.352-04:00The World's Best Gymnasts Performed in Poland and Nobody Watched Them<div style="text-align: justify;">The World Games in Wroclaw proceeded with the rhythmic gymnastics event, where the gymnasts were watched only by their teammates and coaches. Fans wanted to watch the event, too, but most of the broadcasting channels were either restricted to a handful of countries, showing other sports or only broadcasting a couple of performances.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If, as things are, the people of Poland have bigger fish to fry than to watch sports, then perhaps the World Games should take place somewhere else. The World Games are not limited to gymnastics either; they cover many other sports.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The competition itself I will refrain from discussing. The air conditioner was either off or blowing off ribbons and hair pins, and the judging was stranger than ever.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, to keep up a good mood, I will comment that the two gymnasts with longest legs and super model bodies, Grace Legote from South Africa and Olena Diachenko from Ukraine both competed in one event which does not happen often. In fact, it is rare to watch someone so beautiful.<br /><br />I snapped some shots from the limited broadcast on one of the Russian channels. Olena "had better do better" next time, this picture seems to be saying.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKe2P2U9n08/WXOu0-pn0WI/AAAAAAAAGGw/UL2o8uI7qRUQUrjyDLf8xbU6go_snob5ACLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="606" height="363" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKe2P2U9n08/WXOu0-pn0WI/AAAAAAAAGGw/UL2o8uI7qRUQUrjyDLf8xbU6go_snob5ACLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJato8Tx2gs/WXOu2fPQSRI/AAAAAAAAGG0/azNDhBbFLvg79Lpwf82qX5ftQYwOkzUkACLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="534" height="537" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJato8Tx2gs/WXOu2fPQSRI/AAAAAAAAGG0/azNDhBbFLvg79Lpwf82qX5ftQYwOkzUkACLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/cGW0JbeDX60" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-worlds-best-gymnasts-performed-in.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-50120303552665590352017-07-04T21:24:00.001-04:002017-07-05T13:48:08.565-04:00Pinceladas de Ritmica, a Love Letter to Elegance<div style="text-align: justify;">I received this beautiful book in the mail after I had marveled some of the art included in the book.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It contains very creative illustrations showing each of the 50 featured gymnasts in a moment of unique grace. The book spans from the 80s, starting with the legendary Bulgarian Lilia Ignatova, and finishes with the most promising contemporary star, the extraordinary Sasha Soldatova.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Each gymnast is honored with least one drawing dediated to her and a page or two of narrative in Spanish about the gymnast's strongest qualities and achievements. Here are some of my favorite depictions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />1.<b> Yanina Batyrchina from Russia, the silver medalist from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, shown in her bright red ribbon.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK_9-9IJoik/WVw8LFBweuI/AAAAAAAAGFs/muETFH_KtOQN06TTpzKF8Bie4CmS5PgzwCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1165" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK_9-9IJoik/WVw8LFBweuI/AAAAAAAAGFs/muETFH_KtOQN06TTpzKF8Bie4CmS5PgzwCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="466" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK_9-9IJoik/WVw8LFBweuI/AAAAAAAAGFs/muETFH_KtOQN06TTpzKF8Bie4CmS5PgzwCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK_9-9IJoik/WVw8LFBweuI/AAAAAAAAGFs/muETFH_KtOQN06TTpzKF8Bie4CmS5PgzwCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <b>2. Two-time world champion Dilian Georgieva from Bulgaria illustrated in a way that is very telling of her expressiveness and emotion</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIbKGrwUEmg/WVw8MeABTvI/AAAAAAAAGF0/dMjgao21nQ8aLkpmS1wyUgADMTG6eaB6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1082" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIbKGrwUEmg/WVw8MeABTvI/AAAAAAAAGF0/dMjgao21nQ8aLkpmS1wyUgADMTG6eaB6ACEwYBhgL/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b> <b>3. &nbsp;Elena Shamatulskaya from Ukraine who performed very interesting choreographies and was noted for her graceful feet.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLMBDa_cXGA/WVw8LAW-YpI/AAAAAAAAGFw/WLCcP_lRTLUGej7w5PCJD-l3uzEH_WXGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLMBDa_cXGA/WVw8LAW-YpI/AAAAAAAAGFw/WLCcP_lRTLUGej7w5PCJD-l3uzEH_WXGQCEwYBhgL/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. The three-time world champion Maria Petrova from Bulgaria shown in a memorable opening pose from her 1992 clubs routine which scored a 10.000 at the European championship. The caption features a quote from coach Neshka Robeva: "There is no better applause than the silence of the audience."</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQLadyfrAJY/WVw-AhedbuI/AAAAAAAAGGI/7fgndTFgRRgJUFdKMiARmz-GeGhQY56ugCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQLadyfrAJY/WVw-AhedbuI/AAAAAAAAGGI/7fgndTFgRRgJUFdKMiARmz-GeGhQY56ugCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also included are less popular gymnast like the French Eva Serrano, the Romanian Irina Deleanu and the Georgian Salome Pazhava.<br /><br />I would have loved to have seen Daria Kondakova and Simona Peycheva, both gold medal winners at world championship, included in this book as well as the Belarus star Inna Zhukova.<br /><br />But I think the book is wonderfully passionate and well-crafted, a great way to remember the artists and athletes &nbsp;in rhythmic and a tribute to the poetic qualities of hour favorite sport. You can buy the book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://libros.com/comprar" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://libros.com/comprar</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM7J7gWSeBQ/WVw_CoOCHiI/AAAAAAAAGGM/gNh2rhnc6iUPs_hTEhgjv8UxsnLJxJMwQCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM7J7gWSeBQ/WVw_CoOCHiI/AAAAAAAAGGM/gNh2rhnc6iUPs_hTEhgjv8UxsnLJxJMwQCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/7hnPIPxAgdI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/07/pinceladas-de-ritmica-love-letter-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-27578631854039463652017-05-26T18:16:00.004-04:002017-05-26T18:16:46.587-04:00Neviana Vladinova's Spanish Ribbon: Training Video<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Love this training video of Neviana before tomorrow's start of Copa Internacional Catalunya in Barcelona. The audience will love this red ribbon and Nevi herself loves her work and performance. It is very exciting that she decided to participate in this event only a week after the European Championships. Halkina is also there and this is already 2 of my very favorite gymnasts in the world.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LBL4KYq9280?ecver=1" width="560"></iframe><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/junaWXcbYSY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/05/neviana-vladinovas-spanish-ribbon.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-76832245758707372492017-05-21T11:36:00.000-04:002017-05-21T11:36:03.183-04:00Are Belarus and Soldatova Tired of the Permanent Second Place?As delicate as a flower, lyrical, smooth and very, very high skilled, Katya Halkina should have won medals art this European Championship, but she made many mistakes. Still, the team from Belarus is very strong and deserves to one day finally win gold as a team. The problem is that they do not project enough confidence. Perhaps in the mind of many, they will always be second best after Russia. And that is unfortunate. Or, as the American President Donald Trump would say, "SAD."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5rdHXKk59U/WSGudSPp4bI/AAAAAAAAGEI/VlKfwYRBEgstarS-kwOaEsQ1EbCSboK9gCLcB/s1600/halkina333.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5rdHXKk59U/WSGudSPp4bI/AAAAAAAAGEI/VlKfwYRBEgstarS-kwOaEsQ1EbCSboK9gCLcB/s640/halkina333.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yes, Katya was sad and next time will be better, if she continues to work hard. She had a difficult time with some of the routines, especially the clubs in the team championships (left) and waited for her score knowing she could do a lot better.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIsNuB8nSJM/WSGudNMexSI/AAAAAAAAGEk/4dpO7mlx1bMQPp3z20dK_u7lY9VbJgD1wCEw/s1600/halkina.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIsNuB8nSJM/WSGudNMexSI/AAAAAAAAGEk/4dpO7mlx1bMQPp3z20dK_u7lY9VbJgD1wCEw/s200/halkina.png" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1uvjKi_ZVk/WSGudcjtWkI/AAAAAAAAGEk/C7FCfOyRrGw68b1nSNdKUGQ7R8OfCIMeACEw/s1600/halkinaotnovo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1uvjKi_ZVk/WSGudcjtWkI/AAAAAAAAGEk/C7FCfOyRrGw68b1nSNdKUGQ7R8OfCIMeACEw/s200/halkinaotnovo.png" width="146" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycicf6RfW5s/WSGudeBwWAI/AAAAAAAAGEk/1dvj5Al9ZKgY_W34ISh7ECOolKU9PLbjgCEw/s1600/halkina2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycicf6RfW5s/WSGudeBwWAI/AAAAAAAAGEk/1dvj5Al9ZKgY_W34ISh7ECOolKU9PLbjgCEw/s200/halkina2.png" width="146" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is the other question: how can someone as talented as Sasha Soldatova only win one individual medal? Well, it happened because, in terms of apparatus technique, she is only good with ball. It's even more sad because, well, she is incredible. Her balances, pivots, jumps, her emotional expression: all in a class of their own and way better than the Averini sisters, who move around without any regard for the music. Actually, at this event, Sasha's expressions, especially with ribbon showed a new level of intensity. The overall strength of the routine: not so much.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pT3vnNZdTLM/WSGueLzwZKI/AAAAAAAAGEk/iPC9YotPHeQcYNPkbmloUZeqMCFzmUnqwCEw/s1600/soldatova.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pT3vnNZdTLM/WSGueLzwZKI/AAAAAAAAGEk/iPC9YotPHeQcYNPkbmloUZeqMCFzmUnqwCEw/s640/soldatova.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aL0vQBHHMi4/WSGud4WbVxI/AAAAAAAAGEk/TSu_w2fHMTso76K1D5-zdpaEH0TBsUhggCEw/s1600/soldatova%2B%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aL0vQBHHMi4/WSGud4WbVxI/AAAAAAAAGEk/TSu_w2fHMTso76K1D5-zdpaEH0TBsUhggCEw/s640/soldatova%2B%2B.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Perhaps gymnastics scoring should change once again. The Averini should be penalized for not showing any synchronization with the music. What they are demonstrating is not "rhythmic" gymnastics. It is a complete lack of rhythm. Their errors are not being counted and they are pushed to gold in front of many better gymnasts who work just as hard.<br /><br />But the hope is that Alina Harnasko (below) will start looking at the medals with even more intensity, too, that Halkina will clean up her routines and blossom into the amazingly graceful flower that she is, and that Sasha will rise to her true potential. Let's restore the grace and strength of this sport and make it inspire audiences around the globe!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkAOpitSWXY/WSGudmdi74I/AAAAAAAAGEk/yOI2ho6Am7YUh9eVT6LeKwmw1xXU7Uo8ACEw/s1600/harnasko.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkAOpitSWXY/WSGudmdi74I/AAAAAAAAGEk/yOI2ho6Am7YUh9eVT6LeKwmw1xXU7Uo8ACEw/s640/harnasko.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1uvjKi_ZVk/WSGudcjtWkI/AAAAAAAAGEk/C7FCfOyRrGw68b1nSNdKUGQ7R8OfCIMeACEw/s1600/halkinaotnovo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/llWyGgrt4AA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com2http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/05/are-belarus-and-soldatova-tired-of.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-7510310756656917572017-05-21T09:49:00.002-04:002017-05-21T09:50:33.487-04:00The Ukraine Rises Again<div style="text-align: justify;">Team Ukraine didn't medal in the team competition at the 2017 European Championship in Budapest but they looked more gorgeous than their usual gorgeous. Which is extremely gorgeous!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Viktoria Mazur was much more confident than usual, Olena Diachenko</div><div style="text-align: justify;">made a good debut on the Euroepan scene and the group was adorable. Congratulations to the gymnasts and fans and the Deriugini dynasty!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, look at Ireesha, how can she be so beautiful! How is it possible! &lt;3</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0gPlep1NJU/WSDPKBOs61I/AAAAAAAAGCQ/C89GVsaGR7A7yOA-Y_XJ7ffxshS29LLLQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B12.37.29%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H0gPlep1NJU/WSDPKBOs61I/AAAAAAAAGCQ/C89GVsaGR7A7yOA-Y_XJ7ffxshS29LLLQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B12.37.29%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4FbtyMnA7k/WSDPKcBSgmI/AAAAAAAAGCY/QiSCYTJqJJs5QPMyU7WtVP5p-JTpz69rACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B12.42.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4FbtyMnA7k/WSDPKcBSgmI/AAAAAAAAGCY/QiSCYTJqJJs5QPMyU7WtVP5p-JTpz69rACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B12.42.17%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIlVCCWEfVg/WSDPKONJDmI/AAAAAAAAGCU/AJ2zWcFDRr8_oL9EabnZdQxK5xU4VabnwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B1.21.49%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIlVCCWEfVg/WSDPKONJDmI/AAAAAAAAGCU/AJ2zWcFDRr8_oL9EabnZdQxK5xU4VabnwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B1.21.49%2BPM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/s7D5LveDdJA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-ukraine-rise-again.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-2928533365762262832017-05-20T11:45:00.001-04:002017-05-20T11:45:14.012-04:00Beautiful Team Finland<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5e3WvzRehwg/WSBfIecbQjI/AAAAAAAAGA8/eXd_TyhWixM0Ex-4413cXjE6E5iCFZSsQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.07.36%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5e3WvzRehwg/WSBfIecbQjI/AAAAAAAAGA8/eXd_TyhWixM0Ex-4413cXjE6E5iCFZSsQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.07.36%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Rebecca Gergalo just needs to keep her leg straight.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-at5LAEnZwbg/WSBfIl-r7jI/AAAAAAAAGBM/20l272Cqu3EfT-8mKxLz1RYGGx2cKxOKACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.17.41%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-at5LAEnZwbg/WSBfIl-r7jI/AAAAAAAAGBM/20l272Cqu3EfT-8mKxLz1RYGGx2cKxOKACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.17.41%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hello, European Championships in Budapest!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQM07LeUyAo/WSBfIXanvyI/AAAAAAAAGBA/ihNbQs_5Gt08MtTnGTwTvyfZIfdBXhDzQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.08.12%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQM07LeUyAo/WSBfIXanvyI/AAAAAAAAGBA/ihNbQs_5Gt08MtTnGTwTvyfZIfdBXhDzQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.08.12%2BAM.png" width="237" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqWio4BnkA0/WSBfIhRPmTI/AAAAAAAAGBI/4YQ1jRcGKzwJeQjlGt-Px5h8qyl_z2IMACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.10.15%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqWio4BnkA0/WSBfIhRPmTI/AAAAAAAAGBI/4YQ1jRcGKzwJeQjlGt-Px5h8qyl_z2IMACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-20%2Bat%2B11.10.15%2BAM.png" width="241" /></a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/pQx77zI4Jnk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/05/beautiful-team-finland.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-7468194485469494112017-05-14T20:31:00.000-04:002017-05-14T20:37:44.499-04:00Nastasya Generalova Rocks at Portimao World Challenge Cup<div style="text-align: justify;">This year has been great for the young American Nastasya Generalova with high scores and placement in both Kiev, Sofia and Tashkent. But the clubs routine she did at Portimao this weekend which earned her a 17.400 really took it to the next level. She got a bronze and she <a href="http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VBER-geLVU">could have gotten another medal with ribbon </a>if she had not made an error at the very end. Here she is, waiting for her score:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQIkbgLB3wE/WRjynHD9h0I/AAAAAAAAF-4/XXtIKMPGrbAk0mKx5b36JSmiOvOeaViTgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQIkbgLB3wE/WRjynHD9h0I/AAAAAAAAF-4/XXtIKMPGrbAk0mKx5b36JSmiOvOeaViTgCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Nastasya is a very athletic gymnast, who generally has a lot of control and delivers a very stable performance. She remains very cool-headed in the face of challenges and random unexpected mistakes, which can happen to everyone, but for her they would not derail the entire routine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to point out that her leotards and make up are very well chosen. One of the commentators on Russian TV pointed out that her leotard choices really complement her great figure and skin tone. Generally, Russian commentators do not easily dispense with compliments on TV, not even about their own teams.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpoST7FFjc4/WRjzEpVbKPI/AAAAAAAAF_A/9md3ZFh-cNo7G62BSsoDiidpRLnSLbCxQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpoST7FFjc4/WRjzEpVbKPI/AAAAAAAAF_A/9md3ZFh-cNo7G62BSsoDiidpRLnSLbCxQCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone can see we have a gymnast with great potential, who can stoically withstand pressure and is aiming high with a lot of difficulty in her routines.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Her pirouettes are really world class and up there with top gymnasts from Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Israel and Belarus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The routines can get cleaner and with more elegance; there could be a lot of finishing touches with her arms and her head, the overall harmony with the music as well.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But we see another great hope for an American in the medals already, building a fantastic American team with Laura Zeng and Evita Griskenas already showing amazing work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nastasya was born on January 19, 2000 in California and trains with Tatyana Itkina and Irina Zhurenko. She was the 2016 US bronze medalist with ball and the 2015 junior all around winner at the Rhythmic Invitational in Colorado Springs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHYec6JEId8/WRj0zyjJMJI/AAAAAAAAF_I/Ka1r8NOduSQzy8lF3PGBFSFY9GuB2GGBgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHYec6JEId8/WRj0zyjJMJI/AAAAAAAAF_I/Ka1r8NOduSQzy8lF3PGBFSFY9GuB2GGBgCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/7u7jLHEMDnE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com2http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/05/nastasya-generalova-rocks-at-portimao.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-41936189056589324142017-04-18T20:21:00.002-04:002017-04-18T20:21:35.644-04:00How Stretched Is a Stretch Too Far?<div style="text-align: justify;">A not-so-recent trend in both sports and dance, as well as in various recreational activities, such as yoga, is the desire to demonstrate hyper-flexibility moves and to work on pushing the limits in that area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While many yoga practitioners have already shared that the point of yoga is not to twist yourself in a pretzel, if you look at the various commercial representations of yoga, whether in advertisements for studios, clothing or accessories, the overstretched person has become yoga's poster child.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In many types of dance, from classical ballet to much more modern types of dance, increased flexibility moves have also taken a prime spot on stage, while, in reality, different dances use a different vocabulary of expression, and the physical qualities of a dance that matter much more than flexibility are features such as coordination, core strength, balance, control, musicality and expressiveness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But in rhythmic gymnastics, it is much worse than in yoga or dance. It is worse because professional gymnasts actually get scored on their moves and their rankings depend on demonstrating flexibility constantly. For kids who aspire to reach professional level, the demand to be extremely flexible begins very early on, as early as ages 3 and 4. While there are many people in the world who have natural flexibility, for most, pushing the limits of stretching can work wonders as well. Regular stretching can lead many to accomplish a position like this:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o0jhjuV3Xo/WPaoxR2V6_I/AAAAAAAAF88/zhhbiKoXvUk79Pw0b6iiZuSrs2QC78XyQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-04-01%2Bat%2B10.07.38%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o0jhjuV3Xo/WPaoxR2V6_I/AAAAAAAAF88/zhhbiKoXvUk79Pw0b6iiZuSrs2QC78XyQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-04-01%2Bat%2B10.07.38%2BAM.png" width="620" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you start young enough and in good health, with high-quality coaching and persistence, you will likely get to an over-split. In fact, many gymnasts who never reach professional competitive level have an over-split on both sides. Even as an adult, through a combination of static and dynamic stretches, one can become quite flexible, if that is a personal goal.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the question is: if you are not an aspiring circus artist, what would this much stretching contribute to your life, or even your career in dance/sports? The answer is: probably not much. Our bodies are miraculous and it is natural to aspire to make the best use of them. But the reality is that, at some point (and that point is very different for each person), over-stretching can pose a threat to joints and bones when they are held by very loose ligaments. Holding static stretched positions, like the one on the picture, is also not for everyone, because of the prolonged exertion of pressure on the joints.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To be fair to dancers, many classically trained and modern dancers, have various other strengths to show besides extreme flexibility. For aspiring and professional gymnasts, where the code of points also provides points for other moves, such as jumps and pivots, many gymnasts can show amazing routines without twisting themselves into seemingly impossible shapes.</div><br />Circus artists, on the other hand, also start their training very young and under very specific and professional supervision. But the skills and abilities required for acrobats, for example, are not the same as those who perform tricks focused mostly on flexibility. You would need a combination of strength, great balance and trained muscle memory, and very specific technique. Doing a over-split may make your act more beautiful, but not spectacular by itself.<br /><br />In the late 1990s and in the early 21st centuries, decisions around the gymnastics Code of Points gave strong preference to extremely flexible gymnasts. In fact some of the moves that were performed then are no longer part of gymnastics routines because of the very high risk of injury they bring, even for professionals.<br /><br />While success requires many sacrifices, injury should never be one of them. Like stepping on the balance beam, a great routine requires &nbsp;a careful judgement about risk. And, much like in real life, every time you look for that precise alignment, it all comes to down to one thing: who you are and what you can do best.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/qKyY749YSug" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/04/how-stretched-is-stretch-too-far.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-4248532353964511822017-04-09T21:47:00.003-04:002017-04-18T19:47:19.972-04:00A Medal-Deserving Routine: Thoughts on the Coaching Relationship<div style="text-align: justify;">Neviana Vladinova is currently one of the world's top rhythmic gymnasts. It has been amazing to watch Neviana grow and step out with even more risk and with more expression and show great class. But she competes in a sport where, much like in figure skating, somewhat subjective scores are assigned and where rules change often. I could not understand why she did not win a medal with <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Gpd0J7mdgE" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">ribbon during the Pesaro World Cup </span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;">e</span>vent in early April in Italy</span></a>, </span>but I would like to comment on the wonderful attitude her coach Branimira Markova has been showing.<br /><br />Although gymnastics scoring has always been subjective, recently, it has become particularly difficult to predict how routines will be scored under the new Code of Points. The hardest part in gymnastics may not be finding someone talented and training her into a superb athlete, but actually motivating gymnasts who are already good to stay in the sport. I think that the desire to stay in the sport has to come from a lot more than the scoring and even the appreciation of the audience. You need support from the people who see how hard you work and those are, primarily, the coaches. What you learn from a coach is more than technique, of course, it is attitude. That's why I find it particularly encouraging to see Neviana's coach smile next to her and remain very optimistic even when their expectations may not have been met.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bThmjpim9Q8/WOrf_vJKm-I/AAAAAAAAF78/_OcvHoBNb5guYjfoBProW43EBgi8TZQaACLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bThmjpim9Q8/WOrf_vJKm-I/AAAAAAAAF78/_OcvHoBNb5guYjfoBProW43EBgi8TZQaACLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, all gymnasts work very hard and we know, every single time, that only 3 gymnasts will get medals. But disappointment may come not from the actual placement among the top 8; the greatest disappointment comes when you feel that you have not met the expectations of those who spend their time and energy discovering and improving your skills. Coaches are already in the position of pointing out mistakes while remaining encouraging and supportive. That is already difficult enough. But to have to explain why a certain score is lower even when the performance was clean? How does one approach this issue without feeling pushed down into a feeling of helplessness? You can't stand in front of someone and tell her she made a mistake when she has not. But to have to tell her that even when there are no mistakes, there is still no recognition?</div></div><br />I think the best way to address this might be to look at the routines realistically, but also to see the coaching relationship as one where the gymnast should at all times feel how much you believe in her. How we show such belief and support is different for each person, but sometimes an encouraging smile and some silence feels stronger than words. While every competition is a new chance to do better, with human relationships, we sometimes do not get many chances to be truly understanding and supportive of each other. If you miss the moment where you really need to show care or if you overreact at a difficult time, it is hard to rebuild a feeling of trusting optimism later. So, you can drop the ball in a routine and do it better next time, but, in a human relationship, dropping the ball once may make it impossible to recover. &nbsp;To remain calm at the right moment and to consider what to say next is crucial because, even if the scoring at one competition is not objective, you still want the gymnast to step into the next day of training with confidence.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLIKTtkfEQ0/WOrh7GaM7gI/AAAAAAAAF8I/HJXxr42UdOsXreW93DflsoW117O7qE4aQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLIKTtkfEQ0/WOrh7GaM7gI/AAAAAAAAF8I/HJXxr42UdOsXreW93DflsoW117O7qE4aQCLcB/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="268" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/BZC5fS8j0Qk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/04/a-medal-deserving-routine-and-thoughts.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-59541316791677059962017-04-01T18:53:00.000-04:002017-04-01T19:47:59.547-04:00Finally! Two Bulgarians in Top 8 and Ready for Medals<div style="text-align: justify;">They train side by side and are great friends. They show unique moves with every apparatus. They use bold, exciting music. They are a joy to watch. Bulgaria hasn't shown two gymnasts of such high caliber since the 1990s. But Neviana and Katrin are not hear to defend the old glory of Bulgarian gymnastics. They are here to write history.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Russia and Belarus are the only two countries in recent years who have had more than one gymnast in the top, consistently. Other countries attempted but never quite accomplished this.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For Ukraine, while Maksimenko and Rizatdinova were both equally promising, Maksimenko's career was rather short-lived. Following Maksimenko's retirement, Victoria Mazur has been struggling to prove that she can earn the same scores as her illustrious teammate Rizatdinova. Prior to Rizatdinova's rise to number one, Anna Bessonova was the only medal-winning Ukrainian for awhile.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Israel has also had fantastic gymnasts in recent years and was especially strong during the times when Risenzon and Rivkin competed together. However, after Risenzon retired, various controversies and scandals prevented Filanovsky and Rivkin from consistently placing at the top spots and Rivkin ended going to the Olympics by herself. Now, with the rise of Linoy Ashram, who is the best Israeli gymnast, in my opinion, Israel may also break new ground by having two equally promising gymnasts in finals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For Belarus, Cherkashina and Staniouta and then, Staniouta and Halkina had many strong and exciting competitions together where they both were up for the medals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Russia, on the other hand, has regularly had two gymnasts on the podium together at big events such as Grand Prix competitions, World Cup tournaments, European and World Championships.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As for Bulgaria, for many years, only one gymnast showed world-class results. For a long time that gymnast was Simona Peycheva. Elizabeth Paisieva, who fully deserved to be right next to Simona, had unfortunate issues with coaching changes and very harmful federation politics, &nbsp;so did not quite rise to Simona's level. Then, Silvia Miteva earned spots in finals as well as some medals from big events. But a second gymnast of the her caliber was never present.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, in 2017, both Katrin Taseva and Neviana Vladinova are earning scores in the upper 18s. I really would like to see them reach for medals and stand next to one another in many prestigious events. They are very different in style, but each has amazing qualities as well as the ambition and resilience needed for great achievements.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W53zMuoEA-U/WOArIJ_x8PI/AAAAAAAAF7U/8p1AN8rDxR4UoKL0lR-7QcaSjupuQkPmACEw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W53zMuoEA-U/WOArIJ_x8PI/AAAAAAAAF7U/8p1AN8rDxR4UoKL0lR-7QcaSjupuQkPmACEw/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/hvAqEWqwQj0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/04/finally-two-bulgarians-in-top-8-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-32783222261150938182017-03-27T12:53:00.002-04:002017-03-27T12:53:44.278-04:00Hoop from Another World <div style="text-align: justify;">This hoop routine has quickly become my favorite this season. In terms of apparatus handling, speed, musicality, and expression, it is in a league of its own. The hoop does not stop moving from one risky element to the next. In this performance there is one very small error, but the overall complexity of the routine is just stunning. I can't wait to see a fully clean performance so that all the original elements really shine.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MHj4r1AJGkg" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This season Neviana has really stepped up and become braver than ever in showing the unique work of the Bulgarian gymnastics style. She is not only the best Bulgarian gymnast, but has earned a position as best in the world. He hoop technique is hard to match by her rivals. It's so thrilling to watch a great gymnast blossom into a truly amazing one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/G4p1ZfrkkI0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/03/hoop-from-another-world.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-69103806231812482042017-03-18T18:19:00.002-04:002017-03-18T18:24:20.248-04:00Olena Diachenko's Leotards Look Simply Stunning, Only on HerEven gymnasts don't look as thin as they really are on camera. Very few can wear one-color, long leotards well unless they have, &nbsp;well, essentially, the body of the super model.<br /><br />In fact, I don't think anyone after Tamara Erofeeva has been able to pull of this look except maybe Daria Kushnerova, who retired way too early. Before that, Olga Gontar and Ekaterina Serebryanskaya both looked out of this world in all white in the 1990s.<br /><br />Olena Diachenko is that one-in-a-million woman. &nbsp;She has been wearing all black, all white and dark red with some sparkle, but, essentially, with clean lines that emphasize her amazing legs. I don't think anyone else in the world elite can show this look quite so successfully. I know Mazur is next in line to be the top gymnast in the Ukraine but I really hope this girl gets her chance because she just makes the hardest things look so graceful! She just dazzles with her gorgeous silhouette and fills the carpet with her elegance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9QRRl-fcmE/WM2xLu6N-jI/AAAAAAAAF6c/kj6Q-D1NhIo9yhYhAUGzE44vyE1EDl_BgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9QRRl-fcmE/WM2xLu6N-jI/AAAAAAAAF6c/kj6Q-D1NhIo9yhYhAUGzE44vyE1EDl_BgCLcB/s400/IMG_6517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/lSXFGIWESic" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/03/olena-diachenkos-leotards-look-simply.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-56502181944674480162017-03-17T21:04:00.001-04:002017-03-17T21:04:54.651-04:00Anna Rizatdinova Withdraws from Grand Prix Kiev Due to Foot Injury<div style="text-align: justify;">According to the source below, Anna has a foot injury that seems to have bothered her for a while, but got worse recently.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://kp.ua/sport/570299-stala-yzvestna-prychyna-po-kotoroi-ryzatdynova-snialas-s-kubka-deruihynoi"><span style="color: blue;">http://kp.ua/sport/570299-stala-yzvestna-prychyna-po-kotoroi-ryzatdynova-snialas-s-kubka-deruihynoi</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ganna only performed a hoop routine at the event and did not appear for the other three performances. Coincidentally, Ukraine's number 2, Viktoria Mazur has stated in recent interviews that she is ready to be the new leader of the Ukrainian national team. Perhaps Ganna's withdrawal was not that unexpected after all.<br /><br />While it would be wonderful to see Viktoria, who is extremely beautiful and talented, blossom into Ukraine's new prima, it is highly unlikely that Viktoria will reach the level that Ganna has been demonstrating in recent years. At least not during this season. This season was a chance for Ganna to take number one in the world after Kudryavtseva (and most likely Mamun) from Russia retired. It seems, at this stage, that luck is not on Ganna's side.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Still, it is too early to jump to conclusions before we have heard from Ganna herself. Let's wish her the best of health going forward!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbwcKMCkXm0/WMyHPqDin6I/AAAAAAAAF6I/Ril9BlrAKqMyC_BfwZGuG2HWzMLYD0RIgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-17%2Bat%2B8.53.26%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbwcKMCkXm0/WMyHPqDin6I/AAAAAAAAF6I/Ril9BlrAKqMyC_BfwZGuG2HWzMLYD0RIgCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-17%2Bat%2B8.53.26%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ6YYgJ4WUg/WMyGLfwS7tI/AAAAAAAAF5g/C0TB7487LwQdrXJ2dhJ2uPEF2K9sauxgACEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-17%2Bat%2B8.52.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ6YYgJ4WUg/WMyGLfwS7tI/AAAAAAAAF5g/C0TB7487LwQdrXJ2dhJ2uPEF2K9sauxgACEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-03-17%2Bat%2B8.52.35%2BPM.png" width="223" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/sXEgpLyuslI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/03/anna-rizatdinova-withdraws-from-grand.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-31448778593377103822017-03-14T00:20:00.001-04:002017-03-14T00:20:47.347-04:00The First and Only Gymnast to Ever Earn 8 Perfect Scores in One Competition<div style="text-align: justify;">Almost 30 years ago, at the World Championships in Varna, Bianka Panova from Bulgaria got 4 perfect 10.000s in the all around. She then went ahead to get another 4 perfect scores in each of the finals. This is a feat that will likely never be repeated, but it was very well deserved.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bianka is the perfectionist of rhythmic gymnastics, a performer who executes every movement with amazing precision.I believe a gymnast of such exquisite dedication is Yana Kudryavtseva as well. Ironically, both Yana and Bianka dropped a club at the Olympics, which resulted in a silver for Yana and only a fourth spot for Bianka in 1988.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My very first memory of a seeing gymnast &nbsp;on TV as a child is &nbsp;a still image of Bianka in a simple white leotard. Under the image, the score, 10.000, is displayed. She is executing a beautiful jump with a wide ribbon that looks like a natural extension of her arm. I still recall sitting in front of the TV thinking: here is a magical creature from the fairy tales, a &nbsp;princess by nature, without any jewelry at all. I am rather certain that if she had to perform under the current Code of Points, she would still shine with absolute glory.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8hlDGxVxJ4/WMdtBqglY3I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/xtcJcnxzG10kKv75NDAbiDjQnLxwuhh_wCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8hlDGxVxJ4/WMdtBqglY3I/AAAAAAAAF3Y/xtcJcnxzG10kKv75NDAbiDjQnLxwuhh_wCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/XeuAa_rmHpI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-first-and-only-gymnast-to-ever-earn.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-47451395973052090112017-03-10T16:18:00.000-05:002017-03-10T16:18:36.502-05:00Neviana Vladinova's New Hoop Element<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I first watched Neviana Vladinova's hoop routine in Moscow, I was at the edge of my sear the whole time. The only time when the hoop stops moving is really at this final pose. She had a couple of unclean catches in Moscow, but no major mistakes.&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32U1g85dcqw/WMMVqBbpM7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/A31UlunvJHQsWgiyvcbDiA2FvmYSFsweQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32U1g85dcqw/WMMVqBbpM7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/A31UlunvJHQsWgiyvcbDiA2FvmYSFsweQCLcB/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%252816%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32U1g85dcqw/WMMVqBbpM7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/A31UlunvJHQsWgiyvcbDiA2FvmYSFsweQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32U1g85dcqw/WMMVqBbpM7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/A31UlunvJHQsWgiyvcbDiA2FvmYSFsweQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I kept thinking that the routine can't get any more risky and I really wished she got a medal for it, though the 4th place at the start of the season was a solid start. But there is more! As if this routine needed additional risk, Neviana is adding one more original throw.</span><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32U1g85dcqw/WMMVqBbpM7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/A31UlunvJHQsWgiyvcbDiA2FvmYSFsweQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is very cool and it should probably be named after her:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//giphy.com/embed/vDlSUrGgMBjIQ" width="480"></iframe><br /></span><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/vDlSUrGgMBjIQ"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">via GIPHY</span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, with this kind of risk, there will be times when mistakes will happen. This just comes with the whole endeavor of pushing the limits. Still, she did at a national Bulgarian competition just now and if she keeps cleaning up this routine, it will really change how gymnasts and audiences appreciate the hoop!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hoop is probably the most dynamic and versatile apparatus because it is fairly heavy and really allows for very high throws, but it can also spin, bounce, and glide as well as allow gymnasts to jump through it and combine all of these options in a routine. Very few routines actually demonstrate that, but the 2017 hoop routine that Neviana is performing has all of those aspects, at their absolute most spectacular expression.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope luck is on her side with the risks. After all, don't we say that luck usually favors the brave!</span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/gGYI5bwQpLQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/03/neviana-vladinovas-new-hoop-element.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-35969346245382717422017-03-05T18:22:00.000-05:002017-03-05T18:22:26.842-05:0022 Years Later, the Bulgarian Style Lives and Evolves<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvPPwJO6x5Y/WLyaBAAiTiI/AAAAAAAAF14/ESM3g8c0JBQ5kxm2MRkrFAEHzDZSVOvQgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvPPwJO6x5Y/WLyaBAAiTiI/AAAAAAAAF14/ESM3g8c0JBQ5kxm2MRkrFAEHzDZSVOvQgCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Over the decades, rhythmic gymnastic has evolved into a much more physically demanding sport, which is also a lot more exciting to watch. The athletes display both flexibility and strength, more complex routines, new and original music choices, including music with voice and words, very elaborate leotards and make up, even new hairstyles to bring more excitement into the sport.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What has remained the same is the value of strong choreography, original elements and risky, spectacular routines.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the 80s, the gymnastics of the Bulgarian Dilyana Georgieva was innovative and ground-breaking. She was the first athlete to show certain elements that had not been performed in competition. She was also known for her deeply personal and passionate interpretation of the music, great speed and very clean performance, even of the smallest movements. As many in the Bulgarian school, her technique with the apparatus, especially with ball and clubs, &nbsp;was way ahead of her time. While the gymnasts in the 1990s and later took gymnastics to an even higher level, some of Dilyana's routines remain unforgettable as stepping stones to new levels in the sport.</div><br />So, the two-time world champion Dilyana Georgieva performed this absolute piece of art back in 1985. Notice the speed of the two forward rolls, the high throws, and how the gymnast handles the ball so that it literally never stops moving:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Utp7Ig7qvYY" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />In 2017, set against the same music choice, a modern routine with great risk and a lot of drama takes up the carpet. This time it is performed by Bulgaria's best gymnast currently, Neviana Vladinova:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TvQ2HWScyTI" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Same music, different difficulty and different audiences, the same deep passion. And most importantly, the same universal language of sports as a form of art.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/TCtUofCe2GY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/03/22-years-later-bulgarian-style-lives.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-17854645196483262462017-03-04T19:40:00.000-05:002017-03-04T19:40:44.259-05:00Happy Birthday to Tamara Yerofeeva!<div style="text-align: justify;">The 2001 world all around champion Tamara Yerofeeva is one of the gymnasts who continued to perform long after she retired from gymnastics. She is part of the cast of <a href="http://www.bestofvegas.com/articles/meet-tamara-yerofeeva-from-v-the-ultimate-variety-show/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">V-The Ultimate Variety Show</span></a>&nbsp;where she dazzles with her flexibility, her hoop skills, and her overall graceful presence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She has stayed in amazing shape after retiring and can be a role model for many as a dedicated performer. During her career, Tamara also won the &nbsp;all around gold at the 2001 Summer Universiade &nbsp;won the 2002 Grand Prix final, and took 6th place at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHnqdn23l64/WLtcz7--HaI/AAAAAAAAF1o/jzXMg7sySxQXv7-rpw0lNkwUjiBKjSXUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHnqdn23l64/WLtcz7--HaI/AAAAAAAAF1o/jzXMg7sySxQXv7-rpw0lNkwUjiBKjSXUgCLcB/s400/IMG_6189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/6wvu7nrbSB4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/03/happy-birthday-to-tamara-yerofeeva.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-29734660977603599962017-02-21T11:31:00.001-05:002017-04-18T20:26:03.811-04:00The Superhero Gymnasts from Team Egypt<div style="text-align: justify;">The African continent is very under-represented in gymnastics, especially in the types of gymnastics where females compete, like rhythmic. This is not news. What is also not news is that, in the beginning of each season, very few of the teams, even from countries with &nbsp;a great gymnastics tradition, are ready to show their group routines. Only three groups went to Grand Prix Moscow in the winter of 2017 and some teams will not showcase their new work until late spring. Among the first to be ready to perform this year were the athletes from Russia, the Bulgarians, and...unexpectedly.. Egypt! It was very brave of team Egypt to perform at an early season event, which most teams in the world often miss including medal winners such as Italy, Spain, Belarus, Israel, Greece, China and Ukraine, who have all have had claims for top spots at the world level.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgn2RA19S60/WKxo8PE3tSI/AAAAAAAAFz4/5sRU7vAlwLs-eQnZ6-iIdkyPy6AT5fMGACLcB/s1600/Capture1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgn2RA19S60/WKxo8PE3tSI/AAAAAAAAFz4/5sRU7vAlwLs-eQnZ6-iIdkyPy6AT5fMGACLcB/s320/Capture1.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: justify;">When we consider how many long decades of training, tradition and podium standings countries like Russia and Bulgaria have, for this team to have come out as the third team in the event was absolutely superhero material. In fairness, all three teams made mistakes but Egypt showed that it is never too late, nor to early, to start something new if you have passion, and have courage.</span><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When I was watching triple-world champion Petrova compete in the 1990s, I became aware that some gymnasts from Egypt had come to train at the "Gerena" gym with legendary coach Neshka Robeva &nbsp;from Bylgaria and her team at the time. Many years passed and though we have seen individual gymnasts from Egypt, I think building both a senior and a junior group is a spectacular achievement for their country. The routines they showed had complexity and potential, especially for a team that is so young and new to the big scene.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2F7dQr06Rk/WKxp1TIq7VI/AAAAAAAAFz8/aQnPdPY6q4k2BTJc2fBZGxtDJYS8wWbawCLcB/s1600/Capture22.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2F7dQr06Rk/WKxp1TIq7VI/AAAAAAAAFz8/aQnPdPY6q4k2BTJc2fBZGxtDJYS8wWbawCLcB/s400/Capture22.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My impression from Egypt was that the hoop routine was well crafted to show the gymnasts' abilities but they were somewhat more nervous in performing it than in the mixed routine with ropes and balls, which they just did with smiles on their faces. I enjoyed the music in this routine very much and the general positive mood that the team radiated to the audience. I also thought the leotards and the make up were looking great for a brand new group. It is very challenging to use rope in a senior routine because it has been a while since we have seen rope included in the program for both individuals and groups. This team did a great job for a start of the season, which is, for them, also a start of a new endeavor altogether.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L553FsDdVT8" width="560"></iframe><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/YdwoIzCSx6c" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-superhero-gymnasts-from-team-egypt.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-87828223188334554422017-02-14T14:48:00.000-05:002017-02-14T14:48:44.465-05:00Valentine's Day in Soldatova's RedAleksandra Soldatova looks spectacular with her new red leotard and hoop routine. Soldatova is one of the most talented gymnasts in the world and it was unfortunate that she could not participate in the Rio Olympics.<br /><br />This year Soldatova will have her chance to win more medals and to establish herself as the top Russian gymnast and possibly as the best gymnasts in the world. Her strongest rival will be the illustrious Ukrainian, Ganna Rizatdinova. My personal preference is for Soldatova, who I think could be unbeatable if she had more original and exciting choreography. Overall, I think she is the more versatile and artistic gymnast of the two.<br /><br />I love watching her and I am really looking forward to seeing he win. So, for today's Valentine's Day, I would like to wish you:<br /><br /><ul><li>to surround yourself with talented people who bring you joy and excitement;</li><li>to truly show your love to those you love;</li><li>to do the things you love better than ever;</li><li>and, of course, to see your favorite gymnasts win! :)</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z24_MoJLRO4/WKNdHO5TitI/AAAAAAAAFzg/bw2zMhcgGeIE1v7phpA2j9C7L2lt1EpfQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z24_MoJLRO4/WKNdHO5TitI/AAAAAAAAFzg/bw2zMhcgGeIE1v7phpA2j9C7L2lt1EpfQCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/wXAHeV1qs1k" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/02/valentines-day-in-soldatovas-red.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-36248349980236302017-01-25T13:44:00.002-05:002017-01-25T13:44:39.603-05:00Bulgarian Group Shows New Routine with Ropes and Balls<div style="text-align: justify;">An internal competition for the national team of Bulgaria has allowed the fans to see a portion of the new routine of the senior group.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The gymnasts are showing very good synchronization so early in the season and though the routine is hardly polished, the team looks like they "stick together" very successfully and with a lot of artistic expression and with clean lines.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think the leotards and colors of the apparatus may change for big competitions, but it already feels so exciting that the rope will make another of its fun "comebacks" in rhythmic gymnastics</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This may not be the best camera angle to truly show the risk and the difficulty in the routine so I am looking forward to more videos.</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1GKxfYbr4qs" width="560"></iframe><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/RAwLxfm6LHo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/01/bulgarian-group-shows-new-routine-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-76186659072966976142017-01-12T16:57:00.003-05:002017-01-18T15:21:48.101-05:00Boryana Kaleyn's Modern Style 2017 Routines<div style="text-align: justify;">Boryana Kaleyn has already built a reputation as one of the most promising young Bulgarian gymnasts. As a junior, Boryana won the bronze with ball at the Junior European Championship in 2014. Needless to say, Boryana's dream is to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tb3xUiilKZo/WHf5qxQxJGI/AAAAAAAAFxc/CIdap6OzWjUTvwBAjSq7z1RRiaW2SjtDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tb3xUiilKZo/WHf5qxQxJGI/AAAAAAAAFxc/CIdap6OzWjUTvwBAjSq7z1RRiaW2SjtDQCLcB/s320/IMG_5625.JPG" width="207" /></a></div>Last year Boryana already showed 3 new routines. She has worked on mastering new skills as she is now in action with the senior gymnasts. Her coaches have decided to use music with lyrics for 2 routines, which is a &nbsp;bold choice. But the changes to her style and the distinct music with lyrics may be happening too fast. I agree with some of the Spanish fans comments in YouTube which say that sometimes music with lyrics may feel more appropriate for a gala, rather than a competition routine.<br /><br />Sometimes the unusual music will somewhat distract the judges from the difficulty and the purity of the elements performed and, may, in some sense, take away from the gymnast's personal presence.<br /><br />Still, the routines are interesting and "catchy" because of more than just the catches! So I am posting them below for more fans to see and hope Boryana will shine in 2017.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">ball:&nbsp;</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DnVodn1gHsxw&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1484343819956000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHcEohGHTRfVb0Nr8XkmiSjiDCeIw" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVodn1gHsxw" rel="noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=nVodn1gHsxw</a><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">hoop:&nbsp;</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DJzV8BuMyi3Q&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1484343819956000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFJc9h3nMOKOHjBISQz-hz9NCGfMQ" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzV8BuMyi3Q" rel="noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=JzV8BuMyi3Q</a><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">ribbon:&nbsp;</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DOCkuu-rOXWA&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1484343819956000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGWJb8hR3r25kX_BtozbK55Nk0XdA" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCkuu-rOXWA" rel="noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=OCkuu-rOXWA</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/93Sd9xSYnYk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2017/01/boryana-kaleyns-modern-style-2017.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-70275605717524418842016-12-29T18:53:00.000-05:002016-12-29T18:55:15.287-05:00Melitina Staniouta Announces Retirement<div style="text-align: justify;">The star of team Belarus in recent years, Melitina Staniouta has decided to retire from competition. Melitina was born on November 15, 1993. She is the great granddaughter of the famous actress Stefaniya Staniouta was was rumored to have been able to do a split when she was well into her 70s. Melitina was discovered for gymnastics at a very early age when a coach saw her at a bus stop and determined "gymnastics was just in her."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Melitina was known for her leaps and an extremely difficult pivot: a cossack turn starting on the floor that develops into a full penchee turn. At her debut in the 2009 World Championships in Mie, Melitina won silver with her team and bronze with hoop. She has collected multiple silver and bronze medals from apparatus finals in world events and won the all around silver medal at the European Championship in Baku in 2014. In 2015 Melitina won the gold with ribbon at the Summer Universiade in Gwandju. She finished 5th at the Rio Olympics in 2016.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Melitina will also be remembered for very risky catches with hoop, wonderful work with rope, and, very recently, an elegant gala routine with an open-back purple leotard and two ribbons. Melitina has appeared in various fashion shoots and commercials including the commercial for <span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;">&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw0l73ldo_I" target="_blank">the bottled water Bon Aqua which featured various gymnasts from Belarus.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwkAVFngbts/WGWdSzi9wvI/AAAAAAAAFus/2mG7nVaN3JE3AhtEv7p-02wem2X2U5aBwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.07.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwkAVFngbts/WGWdSzi9wvI/AAAAAAAAFus/2mG7nVaN3JE3AhtEv7p-02wem2X2U5aBwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.07.42%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NLi0Od5JOs/WGWdTAPhn3I/AAAAAAAAFu4/CISISAewWWgIYC6TyA9LTw_FWzbWFoesACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.10.59%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NLi0Od5JOs/WGWdTAPhn3I/AAAAAAAAFu4/CISISAewWWgIYC6TyA9LTw_FWzbWFoesACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.10.59%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYwQ_Nsul_s/WGWdTDPnPwI/AAAAAAAAFu8/3o0VsmxP_IIEfopSmhGKNu0k9vZuPIIZQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.12.53%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYwQ_Nsul_s/WGWdTDPnPwI/AAAAAAAAFu8/3o0VsmxP_IIEfopSmhGKNu0k9vZuPIIZQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.12.53%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ23H5yDo6I/WGWdTVDxPFI/AAAAAAAAFvA/B7x9gV2ZldcPI26Ju3_IDONC93BmCS_9QCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.13.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZ23H5yDo6I/WGWdTVDxPFI/AAAAAAAAFvA/B7x9gV2ZldcPI26Ju3_IDONC93BmCS_9QCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.13.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gaAo_GSYmQ/WGWdTQp4DII/AAAAAAAAFvE/MRQXO8A0Kbk5SdPPULDoWdxN3yHX9Q1zgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.18.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gaAo_GSYmQ/WGWdTQp4DII/AAAAAAAAFvE/MRQXO8A0Kbk5SdPPULDoWdxN3yHX9Q1zgCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.18.23%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKb6AKYX_aA/WGWdTS9XTFI/AAAAAAAAFvI/Qf6utWL0W8o4v72KKgUAEOuQaJLYfXOngCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.18.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKb6AKYX_aA/WGWdTS9XTFI/AAAAAAAAFvI/Qf6utWL0W8o4v72KKgUAEOuQaJLYfXOngCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-29%2Bat%2B6.18.54%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/y7Ywq_ODuy8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2016/12/melitina-staniouta-announces-retirement.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-7698035212512821822016-12-04T16:36:00.000-05:002016-12-04T16:36:12.998-05:00Bulgarian Group Olympic Medalist Lubomira Kazanova Retires from Competition<div style="text-align: left;">The bronze medalist &nbsp;with the Bulgarian group from the Rio Olympics, the gymnast who took the place of Tsvetelina Stoyanova, has announced her retirement. Lubomira has explained that she competed with an ankle injury which did not heal properly and that she is finding it very difficult and dangerous from a health perspective to continue with a competitive career.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lubomira also feels that she "does not fit well" in the new group after he distinguished colleagues, world champions Mihaela Maevska, Reneta Kamberova, Hristiana Todorova and Tsvetelina Naidenova also retired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ1az8-jwYU/WESJuWTHaJI/AAAAAAAAFs8/PMZ7vqAbm0YZYXefyyNetTZvHlgLG6f0ACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-04%2Bat%2B3.41.12%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ1az8-jwYU/WESJuWTHaJI/AAAAAAAAFs8/PMZ7vqAbm0YZYXefyyNetTZvHlgLG6f0ACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-12-04%2Bat%2B3.41.12%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lubomira's retirement, according to some, marks a new page in the development of the Bulgarian team, as a brand new team will follow into the steps of the former Olympic bronze medalists.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some fans feel that the national team coaches and the federation should have taken better care of Lubomira in terms of allowing her to compete with what appears to be a serious injury.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Still other have commented that the ankle problem is not the actual reason behind the retirement decision so much as the fact that Lubomira really felt a sense of belonging to the old team and would simply like to move on to new ventures now that everyone else on the team has left. While Lubomira has fulfilled her Olympic dream and played a pivotal role for the team as a whole after the Stoyanova incident, perhaps her retirement is a wise decision to end her career on the most positive note. Lubomira retires as a true hero, and all fans will remember her as taking the team to the medals both at the European Championship and at the Olympics.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While Lubomira will be very much missed, I am also hopeful that the new team will take an even better approach towards preparing for the next season especially in terms of the choreography and originality of their routines as well as their general conditioning and ballet training. We have yet to see whether the Bulgarian team will also undergo substantial coaching changes.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/VLZVIBFX0bY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2016/12/bulgarian-group-olympic-medalist.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689903630992157391.post-56219055817126430252016-11-27T09:24:00.001-05:002016-11-27T09:24:58.506-05:00Neviana to Show New, More Complex Routines in 2017As we approach the holiday season, fans have shared that Neviana will keep her ribbon and clubs routines but will include more difficulty. We hope she will perform the ribbon routine in its full glamor and originality while she keeps the most dynamic an risky club routine in the world currently.<br /><br />Hoop and ball will be new, with a mixture of lyrical and more dramatic music and also new risks!<br /><br />I will miss the old hoop routine which was very sophisticated and different but I have been looking forward to a new ball routine so I think the choice to change these two is correct. The ribbon is a crowd favorite and should receive higher marks, if error-free. As for the clubs, I am not sure what changes were made and how much more exciting it can get, but clubs is certainly my favorite routine and I am glad the team has decided to keep it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7NToCiYVAA/WDrruehRVHI/AAAAAAAAFsY/_c1nR0LOm4I55eP4VUjD6jEpDFLN32QqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7NToCiYVAA/WDrruehRVHI/AAAAAAAAFsY/_c1nR0LOm4I55eP4VUjD6jEpDFLN32QqQCLcB/s400/IMG_5054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WelcomeToLudaFenkasBlog/~4/SmYQripf6G0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Луда Фенкаhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319804485752186734noreply@blogger.com0http://ludafenka-en.blogspot.com/2016/11/neviana-to-show-new-more-complex.html